Balloon Valvuloplasty (also called balloon valvotomy) is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat heart valve narrowing (stenosis). It involves inflating a balloon inside the narrowed valve to improve blood flow and relieve symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest discomfort, or fatigue. Balloon Valvuloplasty is often used for conditions like mitral stenosis and sometimes for aortic or pulmonary valve narrowing.
Balloon valvuloplasty is a catheter-based procedure that widens a narrowed heart valve without the need for open-heart surgery. It’s recommended for patients with valve stenosis who experience symptoms or whose condition is limiting blood flow through the heart.
A thin, flexible tube (catheter) with a deflated balloon at its tip is inserted through a blood vessel, usually in the groin, and guided to the heart. Once inside the narrowed valve, the balloon is inflated to stretch the valve open and improve blood flow. The balloon is then deflated and removed.
This procedure is commonly recommended for younger patients with rheumatic mitral stenosis, pregnant women with severe valve narrowing, or patients who cannot undergo open-heart surgery due to other health conditions. Suitability depends on the type and severity of valve disease.
The procedure is minimally invasive, requires only small punctures instead of large incisions, and usually results in shorter hospital stays and faster recovery. It can significantly relieve symptoms and improve quality of life, especially for patients with mitral stenosis.
Possible risks include bleeding, valve leakage (regurgitation), stroke, blood clots, or restenosis (valve narrowing returning over time). Complications are uncommon when the procedure is performed by an experienced interventional cardiology team.
Recovery is usually quick. Most patients are discharged within 1–2 days and can return to normal activities within a week. Regular follow-up and echocardiograms are important to monitor valve function after the procedure.
The results may last for several years, but in some cases, the valve may narrow again over time. Repeat procedures or valve replacement may be needed later, depending on the progression of the disease.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with heart valve stenosis, our Cardiology and Interventional Heart Team at Baby Memorial Hospitals offers advanced procedures like Balloon Valvuloplasty to improve blood flow and reduce symptoms.
📞 Call us or book an Appointment Online to learn more about treatment options.